With his films, Scorsese has developed a trademark over the past half century, filmmaker Wim Wenders said in a speech for the 81-year-old. Scorsese had always fought for his independence and his artistic ideas.
Following the award ceremony, Scorsese's 2006 thriller The Departed was shown.
Scorsese himself is optimistic about the future of film.
"I don't think it's dying... It's transforming," he said.
"The individual voice can express itself on TikTok or in a four-hour film or a two-hour miniseries... I don't think we should let the technology scare us," he said.
In Scorsese's view, festivals like the Berlinale were where new filmmakers can be discovered.
He spoke about the special effect films could have on individual lives.
"Maybe a film that you would see once and remember for the rest of your life... it has an effect on how you think about life" he said.
"And maybe if you see the film 30 years later, the film has changed. In actuality, the film's the same but you've changed."
Scorsese's works include films, such as Taxi Driver, Shutter Island and Gangs of New York.
In September, Scorsese, together with numerous filmmakers, criticised German Culture Minister Claudia Roth in an open letter after she announced a change of leadership at the Berlinale.
Shortly afterwards, the management duo Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian announced the honour for Scorsese.
-- BERNAMA
